The experienced conductor Alan Widdop has told 4BR that he is to leave his role as MD of Marsden Band.

Wonderful friends

He told 4BR: "After being back at Marsden for very nearly two years now, and having enjoyed some great results with wonderful friends, I feel the time is right to leave the future progress of the band in someone else's hands.

This band has worked so hard for me over the years that I've been their MD, especially for contests and their fantastic Whit Friday commitments which has led to so much success. I would just like to thank them all and may it all continue for the future."

During his tenure the band won the Yorkshire Regional First Section title in 2017 and recently won the Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest.

He really has been an inspirational conductor who has worked so hard with us. We cannot thank him enoughMarsden Band

Inspirational

In response a band spokesperson told 4BR: "Our thanks go to Alan for all that he has done for Marsen Band — and we wish him well in his future activities.

He really has been an inspirational conductor who has worked so hard with us. We cannot thank him enough."